Erin Olivo

WISE MIND LIVING is a well-written book on how to balance emotion versus logic. The author notes that if you only consider logic, you are like "Mr. Spock." On the other hand, if you let your emotions control you, you are in "Emotion Mind." You don't want to be either one; her approach embraces both logic and emotions.

WISE MIND LIVING is a serious book; this is not a quickie-read that you just skim through. Rather, it will take time and study to fully appreciate the concepts presented here. Dr Olivo explains the goal of this book: "Wise Mind Living is when you sustain a mind-set that blances emotion and logic. You really don't want Mr. Spock driving either: just as Emotion Mind runs too hot, Logic Mind runs too cool."

Dr Olivo suggests a two-fold approach: First, learn what Wise Mind Living is all about. That's Phase I, which is covered in the first 9 chapters. In Phase 2 (starting with Chapter 10), you LIVE it. The author provides a lot of explanation, and useful exercises to help you identify the stages of your own emotional cycles that have happened to you.

Emotions are very valuable; they serve a purpose, but they can "drive the decisions you make, the actions you take, what you think, and yes, how to feel." Emotions, uncontrolled, can steer you off course: "Emotions can hijack your thoughts much more easily and quickly than your thoughts can tame your emotions." Recognizing the power of emotions, the author provides exercises to help you clearly identify the harmful emotions, and learn to "tame them." Every emotion goes through the same cycle:

- Prompting Event
- Interpretation
- Physical Response
- Urge to Act
- Action
- Aftereffects.

WISE MIND LIVING is filled with case studies that illustrate the principles defined here. One of the most important concepts suggested is that of "Mindfulness." The doctor explains that it means "focusing your attention on just the here and now--really noticing the present moment--and regarding what you find there without judgment." I tried this, and it is indeed difficult, as the author warns. It will take lots of practice, she explains, and so there are lots of exercises in the book to help you learn these principles. One playful exercise is to try "Mindfulness of Sound." You first get comfortable and relaxed, then you try paying attention to the sounds around you--even the hum of the fridge.

√ All in all, WISE MIND LIVING is an intriguing, fascinating book, with tons of real-life examples. This review hardly does justice to the many practical exercises that the author includes in this book. Dr Olivo has done an excellent job researching her ideas, and developing exercises to help the reader incorporate the Wise Mind Living system. Highly Recommend!

♫ A Review by Chris Lawson

Note: I do not know the author of this book, and no one requested I write this review.

Review copy courtesy of Edelweiss Distributors… (més)